Self-Action, Self-Discipline

We need self-discipline in order to set goals and make plans for their accomplishment. We need self-discipline to use our time well and to concentrate on the one thing - the most important thing that we need to do at the moment.  We need self-discipline to invest in ourselves everyday; to learn in order to enjoy the success of which we are capable.

We need self-discipline to delay gratification, to save our money, and to organize our finances so that we can achieve financial independence. We need self-discipline to keep our thoughts on our goals and dreams. We need self-discipline to respond positively and constructively in the face of any difficulty.

Persistence is self-discipline in action. Our persistence is the real measure of our belief in ourself and our ability to succeed.

Orison Swett Marden wrote in his book:

“There are two essential requirements for success. The first is ‘get-to-it-iveness and the second is ‘stick-to-it-iveness.” He wrote: “There is no failure for the man who realizes his power, who never knows when he is beaten; there is no failure for the man who gets up every time he falls, who rebounds like a rubber ball, who persists when everyone else gives up, and who pushes on when everyone else turns back.”

If persistence is self-discipline in action, then time management is what keeps us on the right path. The best question for time management is: “What is the most valuable use of my time, right now?”

When you discipline yourself to ask and answer this question repeatedly, “What is the most valuable use of my time, right now?”

you’ll accomplish 3 times as much as people around you. You’ll plow through work of higher value and create greater results because you’re focusing on what’s important, and focusing on what’s important means it brings you closer to the finish line of your dream and goal and brings your dream and goal closer to you. Keep working on the most valuable use of your time, whatever it is at the moment, and your success quotation multiplies.

Goethe said: “The things that matter most must never be at the mercy of the things that matter least.”

So start right now, at each pause today to ask yourself: “What is the most valuable use of my time, right now?”

The answer will inform you what action or non-action you are to take next.

Orison Swett Marden (1850 - 1924) was an American writer associated with the New Thought Movement. He also held a degree in medicine, and was a successful hotel owner.  Like many proponents of the New Thought philosophy, Marden believed that our thoughts influence our lives and our life circumstances. He said, "We make the world we live in and shape our own environment." He is best known for his books on financial success, and he always emphasized that this would come as a result of cultivating one's personal development: "The golden opportunity you are seeking is in yourself. It is not in your environment; it is not in luck or chance, or the help of others; it is in yourself alone."

Here are some wonderful quotes from Orison Swett Marden to uplift and stay on track~

A constant struggle, a ceaseless battle to bring success from inhospitable surroundings, is the price of all great achievements.
Orison Swett Marden

A good system shortens the road to the goal.
Orison Swett Marden

A strong, successful man is not the victim of his environment. He creates favorable conditions. His own inherent force and energy compel things to turn out as he desires.
Orison Swett Marden

A will finds a way.
Orison Swett Marden

Achievement is not always success, while reputed failure often is. It is honest endeavor, persistent effort to do the best possible under any and all circumstances.
Orison Swett Marden

All men who have achieved great things have been great dreamers.
Orison Swett Marden

All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible.
Orison Swett Marden

Analyzing what you haven't got as well as what you have is a necessary ingredient of a career.
Orison Swett Marden

Be larger than your task.
Orison Swett Marden

Character is the indelible mark that determines the only true value of all people and all their work.
Orison Swett Marden

Deep within man dwell those slumbering powers; powers that would astonish him, that he never dreamed of possessing; forces that would revolutionize his life if aroused and put into action.
Orison Swett Marden

Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them.
Orison Swett Marden

Every youth owes it to himself and to the world to make the most possible out of the stuff that is in him.
Orison Swett Marden

Forests, lakes, and rivers, clouds and winds, stars and flowers, stupendous glaciers and crystal snowflakes - every form of animate or inanimate existence, leaves its impress upon the soul of man.
Orison Swett Marden

If you do not feel yourself growing in your work and your life broadening and deepening, if your task is not a perpetual tonic to you, you have not found your place.
Orison Swett Marden

It is like the seed put in the soil - the more one sows, the greater the harvest.
Orison Swett Marden

It is psychological law that whatever we desire to accomplish we must impress upon the subjective or subconscious mind.
Orison Swett Marden

It is what we do easily and what we like to do that we do well.
Orison Swett Marden

Joyfulness keeps the heart and face young. A good laugh makes us better friends with ourselves and everybody around us.
Orison Swett Marden

Many a man has finally succeeded only because he has failed after repeated efforts. If he had never met defeat he would never have known any great victory.
Orison Swett Marden

Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them.
Orison Swett Marden

No employer today is independent of those about him. He cannot succeed alone, no matter how great his ability or capital. Business today is more than ever a question of cooperation.
Orison Swett Marden

No man can be ideally successful until he has found his place. Like a locomotive he is strong on the track, but weak anywhere else.
Orison Swett Marden

No man fails who does his best.
Orison Swett Marden

No one has a corner on success. It is his who pays the price.
Orison Swett Marden

Nothing else so destroys the power to stand alone as the habit of leaning upon others. If you lean, you will never be strong or original. Stand alone or bury your ambition to be somebody in the world.
Orison Swett Marden

Obstacles are like wild animals. They are cowards but they will bluff you if they can. If they see you are afraid of them... they are liable to spring upon you; but if you look them squarely in the eye, they will slink out of sight.
Orison Swett Marden

Our destiny changes with our thought; we shall become what we wish to become, do what we wish to do, when our habitual thought corresponds with our desire.
Orison Swett Marden

Our thoughts and imagination are the only real limits to our possibilities.
Orison Swett Marden

Our trials, our sorrows, and our grieves develop us.
Orison Swett Marden

Power gravitates to the man who knows how.
Orison Swett Marden

Put the uncommon effort into the common task... make it large by doing it in a great way.
Orison Swett Marden

Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.
Orison Swett Marden

Success is the child of drudgery and perseverance. It cannot be coaxed or bribed; pay the price and it is yours.
Orison Swett Marden

The best thing about giving of ourselves is that what we get is always better than what we give. The reaction is greater than the action.
Orison Swett Marden

The Creator has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
Orison Swett Marden

The golden opportunity you are seeking is in yourself. It is not in your environment; it is not in luck or chance, or the help of others; it is in yourself alone.
Orison Swett Marden

The golden rule for every business man is this: 'Put yourself in your customer's place.'
Orison Swett Marden

The greatest thing a man can do in this world is to make the most possible out of the stuff that has been given him. This is success, and there is no other.
Orison Swett Marden

The influential man is the successful man, whether he be rich or poor.
Orison Swett Marden

The man who has no money is poor, but one who has nothing but money is poorer. He only is rich who can enjoy without owning; he is poor who though he has millions is covetous.
Orison Swett Marden

The quality of your work, in the long run, is the deciding factor on how much your services are valued by the world.
Orison Swett Marden

The size of your accomplishments, the quality of your achievement, will depend very largely on how big a man you see in yourself, what sort of image you get of your possible self, yourself at your best.
Orison Swett Marden

The Universe is one great kindergarten for man. Everything that exists has brought with it its own peculiar lesson.
Orison Swett Marden

The waste of life occasioned by trying to do too many things at once is appalling.
Orison Swett Marden

There are powers inside of you which, if you could discover and use, would make of you everything you ever dreamed or imagined you could become.
Orison Swett Marden

There can be no failure to a man who has not lost his courage, his character, his self respect, or his self-confidence. He is still a King.
Orison Swett Marden

There can be no great courage where there is no confidence or assurance, and half the battle is in the conviction that we can do what we undertake.
Orison Swett Marden

There is an infinite difference between a little wrong and just right, between fairly good and the best, between mediocrity and superiority.
Orison Swett Marden

There is no investment you can make which will pay you so well as the effort to scatter sunshine and good cheer through your establishment.
Orison Swett Marden

There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow.
Orison Swett Marden

There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.
Orison Swett Marden

There is no stimulus like that which comes from the consciousness of knowing that others believe in us.
Orison Swett Marden

There is only one thing for us to do, and that is to do our level best right where we are every day of our lives; To use our best judgment, and then to trust the rest to that Power which holds the forces of the universe in his hands.
Orison Swett Marden

To many a man, and sometimes to a youth, there comes the opportunity to choose between honorable competence and tainted wealth. The young man who starts out to be poor and honorable, holds in his hand one of the strongest elements of success.
Orison Swett Marden

Unless you have prepared yourself to profit by your chance, the opportunity will only make you ridiculous. A great occasion is valuable to you just in proportion as you have educated yourself to make use of it.
Orison Swett Marden

We advance on our journey only when we face our goal, when we are confident and believe we are going to win out.
Orison Swett Marden

We fail to see that we can control our destiny; make ourselves do whatever is possible; make ourselves become whatever we long to be.
Orison Swett Marden

We make the world we live in and shape our own environment.
Orison Swett Marden

We must give more in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest.
Orison Swett Marden

What power can poverty have over a home where loving hearts are beating with a consciousness of untold riches of the head and heart?
Orison Swett Marden

When we are sure that we are on the right road there is no need to plan our journey too far ahead. No need to burden ourselves with doubts and fears as to the obstacles that may bar our progress. We cannot take more than one step at a time.
Orison Swett Marden

Wisdom is knowledge which has become a part of one's being.
Orison Swett Marden

You cannot measure a man by his failures. You must know what use he makes of them. What did they mean to him. What did he get out of them.
Orison Swett Marden

You have not found your place until all your faculties are roused, and your whole nature consents and approves of the work you are doing.
Orison Swett Marden

You will never succeed while smarting under the drudgery of your occupation, if you are constantly haunted with the idea that you could succeed better in something else.
Orison Swett Marden

Your expectations opens or closes the doors of your supply, If you expect grand things, and work honestly for them, they will come to you, your supply will correspond with your expectation.
Orison Swett Marden

Your outlook upon life, your estimate of yourself, your estimate of your value are largely colored by your environment. Your whole career will be modified, shaped, molded by your surroundings, by the character of the people with whom you come in contact every day.
Orison Swett Marden

Secret Spinning Steps to Creating Successful Dream & Goals Come True

Secret Spinning Steps to Creating Successful Dream & Goals Come True

I took a spinning class on Saturday, and half-way through the exercise class I realized that it was perfect because of the metaphors the teacher was using to get us to spin on our stationary bikes to get a great workout. I translated her metaphors in my head into steps to use to make dreams and goals a reality.

Here are the steps:

First: Put everything away now. You have your cell phone, your computer, and your appointments. We all have them. We’re all distracted by them. But right now - put them all away. Just be here now. This is your workout. This is your time. This is your life. Allow yourself to be here for you, here for your life and here for your workout.

Second: We’re nearing the end. You’ve taken action steps. You’ve done so much to get yourself ahead, to propel your dreams forward. And here we are near the end. This is where people check out. They leave, they give up on themselves. It’s hard, they’re tired, and they opt out.  I recommend that you decide otherwise. Will yourself to stay here. Stay present. Don’t check out. Complete it. Be here for this ride.

Now it’s the Last Bend, the Last Turn: You’re on an open road, smooth pavement, no cars – just you on your bike and up ahead is the Finish Line. Put what you want (your dream, your goal) at the Finish Line. See it there. Let it inspire and excite you. Ride toward it. Pump your legs, engage your will, take yourself to that Finish Line. Enjoy every moment of your ride toward the Finish Line/Goal/Dream.

Last: The ride is over. Relax, Let it in. Appreciate. Appreciate all you have right now. Appreciate your body. Appreciate your health. Appreciate your senses. Appreciate your friends.  Experience awareness, presence and gratitude.

How did they get there?

Elizabeth Gilbert, who wrote: “Eat, Pray, Love,” wrote: “I never had to search for my destiny; I only had to obey it. What am I here for? I’m here to be a writer. No doubt about it.”

Al Franken, U.S. Senator for Minnesota, who used to be a comedy writer and actor said: “By the time I decided to run for Senate, I’d already transformed my career – from being a comedy writer and performer to writing political books and hosting a daily public affairs radio show. So the decision was more a natural transition than a dramatic break from my past. My parents cared deeply about politics and impressed upon us its power to improve people’s lives.”

Joy Behar, Co-host of The View and Host of the Joy Behar Show says: “I was a funny kid, a natural performer. When I was 10 the Fuller Brush salesman would come to sell brooms and mops, and I’d make him hysterical. But I lost my confidence somewhere in the hideous teen years and pursed other things. I ended up becoming a high school English teacher; I was nearly 40 before I realized I was always the funny one at parties. I started doing a little stand up, and things took off. So I believe that people should do what they loved to do when they were 10 – the age before you start caring what other think.”

Josie Natori, Founder and CEO of The Natori Company wrote: “The day you don’t feel that rush of excitement, it’s time to move on. The goal is to have ever bone in your body engaged in your life.”

Andrea Bocelli said: “I graduated from university and practiced law, and I enjoyed it. But I knew my voice was special – even as a child, everybody asked to hear me sing, and I was happy to oblige. That’s how my destiny revealed itself. I came to believe that if you have a gift, you have an obligation to share it with others, it’s as simple as that.”

Do it. Whatever it is. If you have a dream, go ahead, take the risks, and make whatever sacrifices you possibly can. There may be some unfairness long the way. Whatever you do, keep moving forward.

And then surrender to the creative process of the Universe – let it go – Universe, God, Goddess, - let the unseen forces who love and support you take the reins now – you’ve done all that you can. It’s your time to relax and turn it over. Be here now.

Take a risk -- go where you've never gone and do what you've never done, Debbi, because both are necessary to have what you've never had and be who you've never been.

10 Things to remember:

Your presence is a present to the world

You’re truly one of a kind

Your life can be what you want it to be

Take the days one at a time

Count your blessings not your troubles

You’ll make it through whatever comes along

Within you are so many answers

Have courage

Be strong

Wish upon a star, and don’t ever forget

How very special you are.

Suurender

SURRENDER

Surrender means: to give up; resign, relinquish, wave the white flag, yield.

Remember “Surrender Dorothy” from the Wizard of Oz? How many of us treat our lives as though the Wicked Witch of the East is after us and we must hold on and persevere against all odds to survive?

How many of us, on the other hand, take action steps, keep positive thoughts, accept opportunities and do all that we can – and then surrender, let go? Be present and release the results to the Universe to bring to us as it wishes?

Julia Cameron said:  “The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.”

Therein lies the trick – to do all that we can and then to surrender. Once we surrender we can actually appreciate exactly where we are, the day, the people around us, the circumstances -- all of it. We’ve already done all that we can and now we can relax and just be. There is such goodness and wonderful surprise in letting go and surrendering.

Last week I was to accept an Honorary Achievement Award for my radio show. My boyfriend and some good friends were to meet me at the beautiful hotel where the event was being held.  But so much seemed to go wrong. My boyfriend called and said work had asked him at the last minute to stay late. He works in television so there is no “this can wait until tomorrow!. He was upset and asked me what he should do. I told him to stay and do the work and I believed everything would turn out okay. And amazingly – it did. He did all the work they needed and he left his job and made it to the hotel in plenty of time – in fact he got there before me!  Now – I did my radio interview that night and left Burbank to drive across town to the hotel. I’d done my interview earlier than usual to accommodate that evening’s event. I’d never left Burbank at that time and found I was caught in terrible traffic – all the TV and film studios surrounding the radio station had let out at the same time and there I was in a sea of cars and red lights – it looked like I would not make it to my own award ceremony. I called my girlfriend who was also driving over and she was heading out late too – although from the complete opposite side of Los Angeles! We assured each other it was all going to be divine timing and truly just connecting with her calmed me down and I knew for me, for her, for everyone - it would turn out perfect. And it was. I got there late ~ however I got there in more than enough time to enjoy the guests and the affair and before the award ceremony began, it turned out fine. I’d surrendered the circumstances and it worked out.

The Indian Spiritual Leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba said:

“Once we surrender our mind to GOD completely, HE will take care of us in every way.”

For some reason Halloween was huge was me this year. I was like a 7 years old -- so excited about it. I wanted to go to a theme park for to celebrate Halloween…it took me over. But my guy wasn’t so sure about it - with the crowds - and asked if we could go another time when it wasn’t so busy.  I agreed and surrendered.  Then the Friday before Halloween I received a phone call from a company where I’d submitted my name to a contest a month prior saying I had just won the Grand Prize of two tickets, worth $120,  to Knott’s Scary Farm to celebrate Halloween. Can you imagine? I surrendered going to an amusement park (even though the desire was still strong) and it came to me anyway -- through the goodness of the Universe…all on its own -- for free! My guy and I went to the park for Halloween and had a very good, scary time.

It’s been amazing lately -- all this letting go I find it really works for me. 

I had front row seats at the star-studded 200^th anniversary show of “Dancing with the Stars” this week. It was a huge celebration honoring all the past seasons as well as this one. Someone I know got me tickets. I went with a girlfriend and we were very dressed up and happy. When the taping was over I was on line for the restroom and my friend said she was going to leave, hugged me goodbye, and left to drive home. She should have stayed – because a surprise happened next, but she didn’t.  We must be surrendered for opportunities to come to us. I stood in line and all of a sudden the guy who’d gotten us the special tickets to the show was standing next to me – he’d been looking for me. “Where’s your friend?” He asked. “She went home,” I told him. “Ahhh too bad,” he said. “Come with me.” And off we went – back stage. I spent the next 1/2 hour having my photo taken on the Dancing with the Stars stage and then back stage hob-knobbing with the celebrities. What an awesome surprise.

There have been so many more lately in my life – what I want to impart here -- is the key for me, for us all, is to surrender. I do so much on a daily, weekly basis to further myself, to achieve my goals. In this part of my life however, it’s about allowing. About stepping back. About knowing I’m doing my best and letting God, the Goddess, the Universe, whatever you call it – take over from there. Then the situation is a “co” create…it’s being done with a combing of efforts and energies and the ride is so much more fun!

Deepak Chopra said: "Surrender is faith that the power of Love can accomplish anything -- even when you cannot foresee the outcome."  

I always let go and trust who comes on the “Dare to Dream” show.

I’m now learning to trust which direction my life goes.

I say yes, I do the work and leave the rest in the capable hands of the Loving Universe.

I’m learning to allow myself to sit back and enjoy the ride.  The word joy is in the word Enjoy. To be in joy. That’s what life is about. So do the work and then sit back, be present, and enjoy exactly where you are -- it’s all so perfect!

Wonderful things happen when you let go of the reigns of your life and enjoy the moment; enjoy the ride.

David Deida wrote: “The word "surrender" is often interpreted as giving up, as weakness, as admitting defeat. Although this is one way to use the word, we will use it in a different way. Surrendering means letting go of your resistance to the total openness of who you are. It means giving up the tension of the little vortex you believe yourself to be and realizing the deep power of the ocean you truly are. It means to open with no boundaries, emotional or physical, so you ease wide beyond any limiting sense of self you might have.”

Practice surrender today. 

With blessings,

Deborah

You can Be & Do Anything -- You Can Recreate Yourself At Anytime -- You Are Limitless

You Can Do It! Tune in to hear "Dare to Dream" Radio

You can Be & Do Anything -- You Can Recreate Yourself At Anytime -- You Are Limitless

You can Be & Do Anything -- You Can Recreate Yourself At Anytime -- You Are Limitless